PD:Matemàtiques

Teaching plan for the course unit

Català

English

General information

Course unit name: Mathematics

Course unit code: 364551

Academic year: 2025-2026

Coordinator: Oriol Tejada Pinyol

Department: Department of Economic, Financial and Actuarial Mathematics

Credits: 6

Single program: S

Estimated learning time

Total number of hours 150

Face-to-face and/or online activities

- Lecture with practical component	Face-to-face	30
(Lectures with a practical component.)
- Problem-solving class	Face-to-face	30
(Problem-solving exercises with the support of the lecturer.)

Supervised project	40
(Complete tasks set by the lecturer and autonomously solve lists of theoretical and practical exercises.)

Independent learning	50
(Independent study and preparation for assessment tests.)

Competences / Learning outcomes to be gained during study

CG8 - Capacity to communicate in English and/or other foreign languages orally and in writing, comprehension skills, and mastery of specialized language.

CG3 - Capacity for learning and responsibility (capacity for analysis, synthesis, to adopt global perspectove and to apply knowledge in practice).

(CG3 - Capacity for learning and responsibility (capacity for analysis, synthesis, to adopt global perspectives and to apply knowledge to practice).)

-	CE9 - Ability to use quantitative methods to solve real problems in different business areas.

Learning objectives

Referring to knowledge

The subject Mathematics is important in the students’ general scientific training. Any discipline in which formal models are required uses both the instrumental and the scientific rigour of mathematical language. Consequently, the overarching objective of this subject is to familiarise students with basic mathematical operations, so that they can understand mathematical formalism and produce correct expressions in mathematical language. This knowledge also provides a range of instrumental skills that will be useful throughout the rest of the degree.

This subject has two formative goals: provide students with a basic understanding of the mathematical concepts relevant to the degree and train them in the application of specific mathematical tools and procedures. Consequently, the specific objectives must ensure that students consolidate their knowledge of each concept and its main features, as these are crucial in understanding the formal representation of economic theories and principles.

Students are given specific training in basic linear algebra, multivariable optimisation, integration and differential equations, the application of which is particularly important in economics.

Referring to abilities, skills

— Develop a capacity for analysis, understood as the process of separating things into their basic components, and for synthesis, understood as the reverse of the same process.
— Develop a capacity for organisation and planning, entailing the ability to define an initial situation and the desired objectives.
— Develop a capacity to solve problems, identifying the most relevant aspects and the steps needed to reach a solution.
— Develop a capacity to interpret data and results, including the capacity to critically appraise both the initial information and the results of a specific situation or problem.

Teaching blocks

1. Linear algebra

1.1. Distance and norm

1.2. Linear combinations

1.3. Vector spaces

1.4. Vector subspaces

1.5. Quadratic forms

1.6. Topology

2. Calculus

2.1. Functions of several variables

2.2. Partial derivatives of functions

2.3. Classical optimisation

2.4. Indefinite integral

2.5. Definite integral

2.6. First order differential equations

2.7. Applications in economics

Teaching methods and general organization

This course combines lectures with a practical component and problem-solving sessions which are organised in two 2-hour sessions per week:

• Lectures: the lecturer presents the theoretical and practical content that students need to know in order to achieve the general and specific objectives referring to knowledge.
• Problem-solving sessions: exercises solved in class by the students, whether individually or in small groups, under the supervision of the lecturer.

It must be emphasised that both a regular class attendance and a proper study schedule are important in order to achieve the main objectives set in generic and specific competences.

Besides, the Virtual Campus is intended to facilitate communication between students and the teacher. All academic and related information on the course will be posted on the Virtual Campus.

Official assessment of learning outcomes

Continuous assessment

Continuous assessment consists of two written exams, each of them covering one block of the course. The marks of the two exams average to compute the continuous assessment mark (CAM). For students choosing continuous assessment, the CAM is the final grade (FG) for the subject:

FG = CAM

A minimum mark of 3.5 out of 10 in each exam is required to pass the subject. Further details about these exams and the corresponding assessment criteria will be available at the beginning of the course.

Examination-based assessment

Students who do not sit the second exam are automatically entered for single assessment. The single assessment examination consists of a written exam covering the whole content of the course and takes place on the date set by the Academic Council. The single assessment mark (SAM) is the final grade (FG) for the subject:

FG = SAM

Repeat assessment

Students who fail to obtain an FG of 5 out of 10 or higher in either continuous assessment or single assessment are entitled to sit a repeat assessment examination on the date established by the Academic Council. This repeat assessment examination is similar to that of the single assessment procedure. The repeat assessment mark (RAM) is the final grade (FG) for the subject:

FG = RAM

Remember that in each case (CAM, SAM or RAM) the FG mark must be 5 out of 10 or higher to pass the subject.

Reading and study resources

Check availability in Cercabib

Book

ADILLON, Roman, et al. Mathematics for Economics and Business. Barcelona: Publicacions i Edicions de la Universitat de Barcelona, DL 2015

Catàleg UB

SYDSAETER, Knut; HAMMOND, Peter J. Mathematics for economic analysis. Englewood Cliffs, N.J. : Prentice Hall, 1995

Catàleg UB